Everton enter the fray for Manchester United star struggling for minutes; 2026 exit impending?

Pete O’Rourke confirms that Everton have joined the race for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee

The noise around Manchester United as a club never fades. Yet Joshua Zirkzee’s silence this season says it even more. The Dutch forward, once praised as a game-changing summer signing from Bologna, now watches from the bench as others take his place.

After his promising debut against Fulham last year and a steady run of games through the season, a hamstring injury hindered his progress. Since returning to the field, things haven’t gone well for him. Benjamin Sesko has become the preferred striker. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have formed the trio with him. That has left Zirkzee stuck on the sidelines, playing just 82 minutes so far this season.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke said that if Manchester United allow Zirkzee to leave in January, many clubs will make a move for him. He mentioned interest from Italy, especially Juventus and Como, because of Zirkzee’s strong Serie A record before joining United. Everton could be another option.

“If there is a green light for Zirkzee to leave Man United in January, I’m sure a lot of clubs will be in for him. He was going to struggle for minutes this season. He’s got Benjamin Sesko ahead of him as the preferred number nine, with Cunha and Mbeumo as the alternatives.

Obviously, the player himself is frustrated at his lack of opportunities this season, and he could push for a move away in January if those minutes don’t improve. There’s always been interest from Italy with the likes of Juventus and Como because of the success he had in Serie A before his move to Man United. Everton again, another club maybe where the likes of Beto and Barry haven’t set the world alight just yet, and they’ve failed to hold down a starting spot.

So I expect they’ll be looking at somebody like Zirkzee as well when the January window opens. I’m sure there’d be several clubs who would be interested in him if Manchester United do reluctantly let him leave in January.”

The Toffees are searching for a solution to their inconsistent attack. O’Rourke added that Zirkzee feels frustrated and may look for a move if his situation stays the same. We also reported earlier that Zirkzee is frustrated with Ruben Amorim for the lack of game time. That frustration has only grown as his World Cup hopes fade. We also reported that Juventus, AC Milan, and Como are among the clubs eyeing a January deal for the 24-year-old as well.

Everton’s need meets Zirkzee’s ambition